John Hudeck

John Hudeck is Deputy Chief of the Small Satellite and Special Projects Office at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility. He has worked at NASA since his internship while attending SVSU. He is most proud when the projects he was involved with that successfully launched into space. One that comes to mind is a small satellite, called IceCube, that was launched into space for a successful 2-year mission. In conjunction with his Deputy role, John currently serves as a Portfolio Manager for the Astrophysics Program Division’s Pioneers and APRA programs. He enjoys being part of many projects across the country that focus on the creation of the universe.

SVSU

A native of Michigan's Great Lakes Bay Region, John's academic journey began at Michigan Technological University. Later, while pursuing his master's degree at Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU), an internship at NASA set the course for his future.

NASA

John has worked at NASA since his internship while he was attending SVSU. He loves interacting with all of the people who work at NASA and shares a similar passion for the mission to "Drive advances in science, technology, aeronautics, and space exploration to enhance knowledge, education, innovation, economic vitality, and stewardship of Earth."

John's career has focused on mechanical design and analysis of small satellite systems, where he ascended the ranks from engineer to manager, each step building upon the last. Today, as a Portfolio Manager, he oversees 15 projects nationwide, including small satellite, International Space Station (ISS) payload, and balloon missions. These projects surround the themes of the universe's creation and the birth of our Sun. The office John helps lead has a total of 96 projects that range from small satellites, lunar payloads, ISS payloads, science instrument developments, and advanced long-duration balloon missions.

When John started at NASA, he quickly discovered that the design tools used were more advanced than what he had be exposed to in the classroom. He knew that in order for him to succeed, he would have to put in the extra effort and hours to master these tools so that he did not feel behind. He felt the pressure because he only had the summer internship to prove himself if he was to be asked back.

When asked what he is most proud of, John said being a part of a small team that battled through adversity to deliver a successful small satellite mission. John's advice to those eyeing a career at NASA? "It's a competitive field, but don't think it's out of reach." He urges young professionals to pursue internships to gain experience in fieldwork before applying for a full-time position.

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